September 2017 – London Premier Laser

What is collagen and why do we need it?

The word collagen comes from two Greek words. The first κόλλα (kólla), meaning “glue”, and γέν, -gen meaning “producing”. So glue producing!.

Collagen is a major structural protein in the bodies extracellular matrix. It can be found as the main part of connective tissue. In mammals it makes up to 35% of the whole bodies protein content and is our most common protein.

what is it made up of?

Collagen is made up of amino acids joined together making a triple helix of elongated fibril. These are known as a collagen helix and can be found in fibrous tissues in the body like tendons, ligaments, and skin.

what forms does it take?

Collagen tissues may can take many forms. Hard in bone, compliant in tendons or in-between with cartilage. It is also widespread and found in other parts of the body the the eyes in corneas, blood vessels, gut, discs between the vertebrate in the spine and also in your mouth in the form of dentin in teeth.

fibroblast cells

The fibroblast cell is the most common cell creating collagen. Collagen is a very important component in your body. It is a protein and works as an adhesive, holding skin, ligaments, tendons, bones, and muscles together as it cushions them.

It is central to how the body is shaped and how parts of the body work together for the common good.

Elasticity & firmness

Collagen helps every part of your body stay strong and supple, including your skin. Collagen gives skin it’s elasticity as it provides firmness and smoothness to your skin. Making the most of your collagen resources can keep away fine lines and wrinkles, allowing skin to remain supple, providing a youthful appearance.

Ageing and Collagen

However, as your body ages, less collagen is produced and, often, it can be of lower quality than during younger years. When you can increase the amount of collagen your body produces, it helps to enhance the texture, quality, look, and appearance of your skin.

Collagen induction therapies

Many beauty treatments work on stimulating and generating collagen and elastin. They are known are collagen induction therapies.

INFINI 3D SKIN TIGHTENING

The INFINI™ 3D Skin Tightening combines the power of microneedling with radiofrequency to stimulate collagen and elastin production. This in turn results in a tightening and smoothing effect in the skin. The INFINI 3D helps to lift and firm the skin from the dermis layer, without causing any damage to your epidermis.

DERMAPEN MICRO SKIN NEEDLING

Dermapen uses a handheld device to deliver thousands of minute, micro punctures to the skin at a vertical angle. These tiny punctures stimulate the skin to grow more collagen and send it to heal the micro areas.

It is a methodology to “trick” your body into making more of the substance than it normally makes. The end result is fresh and rejuvenated skin.

RADIO FREQUENCY SKIN TIGHTENING

The Sublime™ Radio Frequency Skin Tightening boasts positive results and is a very effective non-invasive therapy. It can visibly firm and tone your skin, allowing for a smoother and more youthful appearance. Everyone’s skin loses elasticity during the ageing process and the production of collagen slows down as well.

The energy driven by the radio frequency process helps stimulate the production of new collagen, which, in turn, will provide more lift and a smoother, even tone to your skin.

Collagen nourishes your skin and can help it stay looking younger longer. As you age, often your body can use a little help re-establishing collagen levels to a arrive at a more youthful level.

Help for ageing hands

Hands are the workhorses of our body; they literally get used at every turn. When we need them, they are there for us. But when they need attention, what happens? Chances are, they don’t get any attention – and for all their hard work, for everything they do for us. Many people put hands way down on the priority list to get the care they need.

IPL SKIN REJUVENATION

Our hands are a tell-tale sign of our age, often giving it away faster than the rest of us. Not only do they probably go without proper moisturisation, they are one of the most exposed body parts to the sun. This can cause skin discolouration, or pigmentation on the hand’s. Intensive Pulse Light (IPL) Skin Rejuvenation therapy can help to rectify the discolouration that the sun can cause. It is FDA-approved and one of the most effective non-invasive method of treating damaged skin available. This remarkable treatment uses a broad wavelength of light (it’s not a laser) to rid the skin of sun damage. It can treat several conditions at once, including reducing the appearance of birth marks and the signs of ageing. You will be able to see the visible effects almost immediately and be able to return to your normal routine right away.

ANTI-AGEING HAND REJUVENATION INJECTIONS

Our Anti-Ageing Hand Rejuvenation Injections use a high concentrate of Hyaluronic Acid to help hydrate and plump ageing skin. The hyaluronic acid helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles whilst restoring the elasticity in the skin. The results can last between 6 – 9 months, and the treatment is undertaken by our Aesthetic Nurse.

DERMAL FILLERS

Dermal Fillers are another great treatment that uses hyaluronic acid to plump, replenish, and smooth out lines and wrinkles in the skin. The substance used is a gel that is natural and biodegradable. It is often used in the face to help restore lost volume, but can also have wonderful results helping to plump older hands which can sometimes look gaunt and bony. It flows into the skin smoothly and fills lines in to provide a smooth and more even look.

Hands need all the help they can get – they often work too hard! Call us today and learn more about treating your hands to amazing technology that can help them look and feel better.

Three common myths about acne and two truths

Acne – who needs it? No one wants it. It can be, however, a fact of life that many of us have to deal with. Products and techniques have been fashioned to help ease the burden of caring for acne-prone skin, however there are still many myths around acne, not all of which are true, that we’re going to bust today.

THREE COMMON MYTHS

As a condition that’s been around for a long time, myths seem to get perpetuated forward and thrust onto the next generation. Here are three of those common myths, or misconceptions.

Only teenage skin gets acne. Wrong! So not true. Adults can get acne, too – believe it or not. Reasons that adults might get acne include stress (see Truth No. 2 below), hormone changes, pollution, cleansing too frequently (see Myth No. 3 below), specific foods (see Truth No. 1 below), and potentially eating too many sugary products.

The sun makes acne better. Wrong again! This is a common misconception, the sun and acne can make a bad combination and cause worse break-outs to happen. Annet King, Director of Global Education for The International Dermal Institute, points out, “Sun exposure will cause dehydration, which in turn stimulates oil production as your skin tries to correct the issue.” Makes sense!

Acne is caused by not washing your face. Wrong for the third time. While washing your face is a practice of good hygiene, if you don’t wash your face, it is not going to “cause” acne. Washing removes dirt but it does not clear acne. In fact, too much washing can actually remove much-needed essential oils.

TWO TRUTHS

Let’s now look at two things that are true about acne.

Diet affects acne. Studies have shown that a healthy diet, especially foods rich with zinc, vitamin E, vitamin A, complex carbohydrates, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids can prevent acne.

Stress can aggravate acne. This is true. Stress can trigger an inflammatory response from the body and that can cause clogged pores to break. Topical solutions can help.

Now, let’s look at some products that can help with acne.

DERMACLEAR ACNE PEEL

This anti-acne solution combines Beta Hydroxy Acids and Alpha Hydroxy Acids to bring a powerful treatment that reduces acne-causing bacteria and helps redistribute the oil production in your skin.

SPECTRA CARBON ACNE PEEL

This is a very budget-friendly answer to acne’s woes. It’s like having four chemical peels at one time, but with no downtime or potential complications. It is a carbon-based three-part treatment that helps rejuvenate your skin. This laser peel is a favourite of Hollywood’s celebrities.

DERMAPEN MICRO SKIN NEEDLING

This unique and pain-free treatment can eliminate acne scarring, as well as other types of scars, stretch marks, and pock marks. Gone. You’re done with them when you allow the micro needles of the Dermapen to do their job. A series of tiny needles penetrate the skin at just the right places to increase collagen production, which aids in repairing scar tissue.

Regardless of the severity of your acne, solutions, procedures, and treatments can help. Call us today for a free consultation about which method will be the best for you.

Your Skin After Pregnancy

Most mothers, after having delivered their bundle of joy, notice some repercussions of the birth process to their skin. Some may think you just have to live with this “new normal” way that your skin has begun to look. However, there are many great treatments that can take your skin, and particularly your tummy, back to the way it used to be before you gave birth.

Diet and exercise

Of course before you look into any treatment we would recommend that you are following a healthy lifestyle (as much as you can with a newborn baby!). And that you are active or exercising and eating good nutritious food. This will make any treatments you consider more effective. As much a you want to get back into your old shape, there is no magic pill or overnight cure. Think of the treatments as part of on-going process that will make you look good and feel good.

HIFU Skin Tightening

HIFU skin tightening is a revolutionary skin tightening treatment, which can work wonders on tightening and lifted the common ‘mummy tummy’ so many women face after having children. After pregnancy, the skin surrounding the stomach area tends to lose some of its elasticity. HIFU skin tightening, using Ultraformer technology, tightens loose skin on the stomach, thighs, and just under the buttocks.

The applicator is placed along your problem area(s) and the ultrasound energy from the applicator destroys fat cells, whilst your body stimulates new collagen production. The outcome is smooth and restored skin in just under an hour and with minimal pain involved.

Cryolipolysis Fat Reduction

A number of processes are available to help with getting a mother’s body back into shape after the birth of a child. Cryolipolysis procedures can help with stubborn areas of fat that will not relent, even when you have practised diet and exercise with vigour.

Cryolipolysis uses freezing technology to target your most problematic areas. When fat cells are frozen, they crystallise and die. Your body will then process those dead cells, leaving your shape sculpted and contoured.

Often, a lipotripsy package is added to spur the natural drainage process and get the desired results even quicker. Two applicators can be used during the treatment, targeting two problem areas at one time

Dermapen/INFINI™

Stretch marks after the birth of a child can be hard to deal with. There might seem like there’s just no way to get rid of them. But, you needn’t worry anymore, as we have two great treatments that can help to reduce stretch marks. Using either the INFINI™ 3D Skin Tightening therapy or our micro-needling treatment Dermapen we can help to restore your skin to how it looked pre-pregnancy.

With the combined therapies used in the INFINI™ treatment, you will see maximum results with minimal downtime afterwards. It uses 3D technology and micro-needling to get the fullest degree of benefits for your skin.

Tiny micro-holes are made with tiny needle tips that are precisely placed to let in the radio frequencies needed to stimulate collagen and elastin production. This precision ensures your skin’s dermis (second layer) is not damaged in any way.

With the Dermapen, micro skin needling has been revolutionised for safe, more effective, and less painful results. It makes navigating across the skin easier and is able to get more accurate penetration to the points in your skin that will make the most difference. Also, if you have scar tissue where the micro needle should be placed, the Dermapen can easily penetrate those skin cells through it’s vertical delivery system.

Next Steps

A special note to mothers: the majority of these procedures cannot be performed while breastfeeding. We take the overall health of our patients very seriously. When you are ready to seek treatment, we will be right here with the latest innovative technologies to help.

Skincare Q&A with Lady Nadia Essex

Today we met with Lady Nadia Essex from the hit channel 4 show, Celebs Go Dating to discuss her skincare. Read on to find out her current skincare regime and what she would change about her skin!

How would you describe your skin?

Combination, I have an oily forehead, however my nose and lips are drier.

What’s your current skincare regime?

I have a simple skincare regime, focusing on always removing my make-up of an evening. Generally, I wash my face, use a make-up wipe, and then use micellar water to ensure that all my make-up has been removed. I will then follow up with a night cream.

Have you tried any aesthetic skin rejuvenation treatments before?

I have tried anti wrinkle injections a couple of times in the past. However, I haven’t had it for a few years as looking back I don’t think I needed it. I think in a couple of years when I am a little bit older I will try again. I have also tried Dermaroller, which I love.

Is there anything you would change about your skin?

I recently found out that I suffer from some food intolerances, and certain foods do have a negative effect on my skin. Simply eating clean and healthy for a week can really change my skin, in a positive way. However, the one thing I would change the most is my motivation to look after my skin. It’s only recently that I have really started paying attention to it and ensuring I take on a proper skincare regime.

How often do you go for skin treatments?

Not as often as I like, I go for a facial around every 6 months, and each time I think ‘I must do this more often’.

Skincare After the Holidays

Everyone looks forward to going on holiday; we all get excited about the opportunity to get away from the daily grind for a little while. Many of us from the UK will opt for a beach holiday, laying in the sun and enjoying the warm weather. But, do you ensure you’re keeping your skin safe whilst enjoying all that the sun has to offer? Here at Premier Laser & Skin we have put together a plan to treat your skin after you return from your holidays to help minimise any potential skin concerns your holiday may have bought out.

Post Holiday treatments

A HydraFacial Treatment is a wonderful way to say you’re sorry to your skin for over-burdening it while enjoying your holiday. One treatment can go a long way to providing great skin care for the long term. Antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, and amazing peptides combined to give your skin the soothing attention it deserves. HydraFacial Treatments are non-invasive and have all the benefits of hydradermabrasion and a chemical peel with no irritation or downtime.

A Cosmelan® Depigmentation Peel can help restore brightness to skin that may have been damaged by the sun. Over-exposure to the sun and its harmful UV rays can bring out pigmentation, or darker colouring to your skin. Cosmelan® is proclaimed to be one of the most widely sold depigementation treatment in the world. Treatments using this method inhibit melanin production and remove or lighten dark spots and blemishes.

Skin also loses hydration when out in the sun for long periods. When it loses its suppleness and flexibility, skin can start to look weathered and dry. The C Infusion Peel is a wonderful cure for dry and tried skin. The C Infusion Peel restores and revitalises dry and tried skin by penetrating deep, nourishing and moisturising to help jump-start the cell renewal process. Don’t you feel refreshed already?

After treating yourself to a lovely time on holiday, it’s always good to remember to treat your skin as well, pampering it with all the essential ingredients needed to rejuvenate it. Book your free consultation here to find out more about our different skin treatments.

Injectable Events this September

Over the month of September we will be hosting events in our clinics to introduce you to our Aesthetic Nurse Injector, Sarah Sheedy. The events will be a great opportunity for you to learn more about injectables, and ask Sarah any questions you may have.

What do the events include?

Q&A with Sarah Sheedy
Live Demo of Injectables
Free injectable consultations (usually £25)
Exclusive offers & discounts on the night
DermaQuest goodie bags

When & where are the events?

Thursday 14th September, 5pm-8pm in Premier Laser & Skin Notting Hill

Friday 29th September, 5pm-8pm in Premier Laser & Skin Kingston

If you would like to find out more about these events, or book your place and consultation then contact us today!

Month: September 2017